Entire home

Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro

Photo gallery for Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro

A bedroom with a large bed, a bedside table with a lamp, and a chair.
A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a mirror on the wall, and a view into the living room.
A staircase with white balusters leading to a landing, a framed map on the wall, and a hallway with a door leading to a living room.
A living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a piano. There is a dining area with chairs and a table.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a comfortable armchair, a white cabinet, and a bench with cushions.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy spacious layout that give everyone more room to relax.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Drake University
7 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 20

Popular amenities

  • Arcade/game room
  • On-site fitness centre
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Des Moines, IA
  • Place, Drake University
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Knapp Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Des Moines Community Playhouse
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 20)

Bedroom 1 Main floor king

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 Main floor queen

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 main floor den with futon

1 Double Futon

Bedroom 4 Upstairs king with chair

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5 upstairs queen with desk

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6 upstairs queen with chair

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 7 upstairs bunk room

+1
1 Double Futon and 4 Single Bunk Beds

Common area 2 upstairs living room

2 Queen Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 main floor shower

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2 upstairs shower and laundry room

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3 upstairs with tub/shower

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro

Historic 1895 home completely remodeled with all new bathrooms and kitchen and original hardwood oak floors refinished throughout. Brand new kitchen with island seating and large dining table. Original fireplace with infrared insert. Walking distance to Drake stadium and Knapp center and all facilities. Minutes drive or even bike to downtown and all metro area. So central to almost everywhere in the metro and in a great neighborhood.
Just finishing up this remodel now with final touches so book early to be the first ones to use the beautiful space full of original character and updated features. I plan to continue to add to the property with additional touches as time allows.
This is a great space to entertain large family gatherings or multiple families and more bedrooms than most single family homes. Fun to imagine what life was like in this historic home back in 1895 in its original glory.

Huge dining table sits 8 comfortably and potentially more with provided extra chairs.
Peninsula/island has bar top seating for 3 or 4 more
Brand new appliances
All new paint and flooring throughout
Refinished original oak hardwood floors.
All beds and bedding and bathroom towels etc new.
Main Living room seats 10 comfortably and more room if extra chairs brought into the space.
Upstairs living room seats 4 comfortably and game room with TV and air hockey table and a wall. Mounted infrared fireplace.
Massage/heat powered lift reclining chair upstairs.
3 all updated bathrooms including one tub/shower others are shower only.

Outside enjoy a massive front porch with swing and stone table with chairs around. Also a grill is out front on a brand new patio with furniture.
Small front yard but enough space to play.
Drake University owned open lawn space they use for practice fields etc right across the street for public use to play field games or sports. I also have large portable tailgate tents and some tables and folding chairs that can be rented for $30 if requested before your stay.

Large parking lot in back of house for around 5 cars and another 6 or so can parallel park in the double wide long driveway. Alley access too for convenient entering and exiting or if bringing a trailer.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Strict quiet hours enforced after 10 pm.
No smoking in the house or on porch as it has carpet and also is damaging to the ceiling and furniture with smoke and odor.
Must have 5 star profile rating to book this property instantly. Otherwise please inquire with host and explain why rating is not a 5.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3218817vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Des Moines

Drake, a neighbourhood in Des Moines, is home to this holiday home. Jordan Creek Town Center is worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Iowa State Fairgrounds and Adventureland. Travelling with kids? Consider Des Moines Civic Center and Science Center of Iowa.
View more Holiday homes in Des MoinesOpens in a new window
Map
Des Moines, IA

What's nearby

  • Drake University - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Knapp Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Black Cultural Center - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • La Casa Cultural Center - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Des Moines Community Playhouse - 3 min drive - 2.8 km

Getting around

  • Des Moines International Airport (DSM) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Drake Diner - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Tommy's Hickman Pub - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Freedom Blend Coffee - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Habanero’s - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

As of 15 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro on 21 Feb, 2027 start from S$1,223, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful remodeled historic Drake Univ home minutes from downtown and all metro located?

Located in Drake, this family-friendly Des Moines holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Drake University and Knapp Center. Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 66 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 66 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 66 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place for a group to stay. Very clean and just as described.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ryan is an excellent host and the home is absolutely beautiful! Plenty of room for everyone and home was so clean and it had everything we needed! Fantastic home away from home for us!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed here for our annual Friends Trip, and it was a fantastic place for our group. The game room was a huge hit with the kids and kept them entertained for hours. We also loved relaxing together on the front porch—it was the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy each other's company. Overall, we had a wonderful stay and would definitely recommend this property!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It Was 10 Of Us. And This Property, Was Spacious an Inviting. Enough Room For All Us. We Really Enjoyed Our Stay. The Host Ryan Awesome Dude. We Are Looking Forward To Our Next Visit To Iowa..
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location and space for our group. The house was comfortable and had everything we needed including many kid friendly things! Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great for a big family get together. Tons of rooms. Game room was a lot of fun. Beds were comfortable. Great location next to Drake. Plenty of parking. Upper level is zoned independently, which was awesome for a summer stay. Some places you need to freeze out the main floor or basement to keep the second floor tolerable and this was NOT the case here. Host was very receptive and great communication. Would recommend and plan to stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great for a big group. Good communication with host!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an excellent stay at this Vrbo! The host was awesome and the accommodations exactly what we were looking for. Thank you for the great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a group with 7 kids and 4 adults and this space was perfect. There was enough space for eating, sleeping, showering, and playing! I would highly recommend staying here. The property description said one of the bedrooms had 2 queen beds which was inaccurate. We wish there was more yard to enjoy but we utilized the front porch and front patio area for outdoor grilling and picnicking.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, well maintained home, large enough for our family gathering
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is super nice and all of the beds were very comfortable!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Plenty of room for everyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home and hosts are fantastic! Very detail oriented owners. Good quality furnishings that enhanced the stay (I.e. linens, beds)
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect stay for family traveling in from around the US. Easy location for multiple airport trips, space for everyone to eat together, and large comfortable bedrooms. The play space for the 3 year old was more than perfect, with toys and books! We would stay here again. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept, 2025
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed your time together. Would love to have you back anytime. Ryan and Angie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

The owner was very gracious with accommodations and what they have to offer. I recommend this lovely VRBO for family gatherings. Our family really liked it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot!

Good location, lots of space.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious and very comfortable and convenient for our family. Loved the piano, too! Thank you for a lively stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice location.

Good location. Lots of room
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home is beautiful. Ryan was an awesome host, great communicator. Location is close to everything you need or would want to do. There were 12 of us and all loved that there was enough room to spread out and also be together when we wanted that.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Retreat

This was a great well stocked location. Plenty of room for our retreat. It had everything we needed. We would stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property!

My coworkers and I had a fantastic stay at this house. We each got our own bedroom which was a big plus and there were plenty of bathrooms and amenities for all of us. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Suited our needs

We had 2 families of young adults and teens. Plenty of space for our needs and well located.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for what we needed

It was really close to downtown. The place was great for us, and accommodated all of our needs!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend stay

Everything was great. Anything we needed was there only thing we had a problem was there were ants in the kitchen and bathrooms, But other than that the stay was comfortable and great.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Apr, 2025
Oh I’m so sorry about ants. We had no idea that was happening. Wish you would have told us during your stay and we would have treated it immediately. It’s always tough in spring when everything wakes up for the first time and starts moving. We have never heard from any other guests about ants or any bugs before so that is a big surprise. The kitchen was left a complete mess with food all over from you guys so I’m sure that was a big part in attracting ants. Wish that the house was left in better condition before you exited. But either way thank you for letting us know. We will for sure be doing our spring treatment immediately now. Hope everything else was satisfactory.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property

Large house and pictures do justice . A lot of bedrooms and great living room
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

About the host

Hosted by Ryan

Host profile image
I enjoy restoring historic homes and remodeling them to maintain much of their original character in woodwork and custom aspects of their day while updating them enough to provide modern comforts and conveniences including all new kitchens and bathrooms. I always strive to restore and refinish original hardwood floors as that is one of the most amazing beautiful aspects of the older homes. I enjoy custom woodworking and bringing the natural aspects of woodworking into parts of the home with shelving and tables etc.

Why they chose this property

1895 mansion with all original hardwood oak floors that I refinished! Why not enjoy seeing this beauty and pondering this massive house back in its original glory as a single family home. And it is so central to everything in the metro.

What makes this property unique

Walk to any events on the Drake University campus. Enjoy a space that can fit everyone comfortably in the family or even multiple families.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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